In a mid-week Mid-American Conference matchup between in-state schools, the Broncos (4-3, 3-0 MAC) take on an Eagles (1-7, 0-4 MAC) team that ranks dead last in the country in rushing defense, giving up a staggering 340.5 yards per game on the ground.

“Run the ball on offense and then stop the run on defense,” WMU head coach P.J. Fleck told media during Monday’s press lunecheon. “Anytime we hold an opponent to under 100 (rushing) yards here at Western Michigan in our tenure, I think it’s around 90 percent we win football games. That’s incredible.

WMU has won the time of possession battle in every game this season, and in last weekend's 35-13 win over Miami (Ohio) the Broncos had the ball for 36-minutes and 51-seconds.

"Look at the time of possession… controlling the clock," Fleck said. That tells the story of the game and that’s what we have to do. That’s a little bit of Jim Tressel ball.”

WMU ranks second in the MAC in time of possession (33:23 per game), boosted by the three-headed rushing attack of sophomore Jarvion Franklin (573 yards, three touchdowns), redshirt freshman Jamauri Bogan (414 yards, three touchdowns) and freshman Levante Bellamy (216 yards, one touchdown).

“Coach Hart, he is the key to the puzzle," Franklin said of his position coach, who starred at the University of Michigan. "He's been in our shoes and been in the shoes we want to be in."

The game is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. and will be broadcast nationally on the CBS Sports Network.

Spillane is MAC Defensive POW

WMU sophomore linebacker Robert Spillane has been honored as the MAC West Defensive Player of the Week thanks to his performance in last weekend's win over Miami (Ohio). He tied for the team lead with nine tackles including 3 1/2 for loss and 1 1/2 sacks. On one three-and-out series, he registered tackles on all three plays, two of which were for a loss.

Nick Buckley can be reached at nbuckley@battlecreekenquirer.com or 269-966-0652. Follow him on Twitter:@NickJBuckley